Protocol for validating drug efficacy and safety in scalable 96-well platforms of human cortical organoids and melanoma brain metastases

Summary

Metastatic colonization at secondary organs, such as the brain, represents a critical therapeutic window in cancer progression. Here, we present a protocol for a scalable in vitro screening platform for melanoma brain metastases. We describe steps for generating human cortical organoids in 96-well plates, followed by co-culture with melanoma cells to mimic the colonization process. This platform enables quantitative assessment of drug-induced metastasis regression and safety testing using fluorescence and luminescence readouts, targeting colonized melanoma cells in the brain microenvironment. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Krieg et al.1. Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Authors Krieg K, Rachad FZ, Wittich A, Kauven P, Weller A, Pless O
Journal STAR protocols
Publication Date 2026 May 19;7(2):104568
PubMed 42154600
PubMed Central PMC13213298
DOI 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104568

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